Saturday, June 29, 2013

Choosing

"The beach where life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour, but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun."

As we wrote down and offered our prayer requests, I quietly reflected at Bible study on Wednesday morning, I hope it isn't too silly to ask for a little sunshine for this evenings photoshoot? I mean, the list is filled with prayers for health, healing, hurting hearts, uncertain futures, etc. And I sit and think- my lungs? My brain? The growing cancer? All valid for prayer requests. What should I choose? I sat in quiet thankfulness, and discovered what was truly on my heart and mind was nothing but a little sunshine.

So many of my very favorite things in the world were lining up for me. A trip to a friend's lake. A photoshoot of my family, by our talented and creative friend and photographer, Ria. And all of this during my favorite time of the year- near summer solstice where the sun going down uses the sky as its canvas and streaks it in breath taking colors. Please, if it isn't too much to ask. Please.

But as we left for the lake, some dark clouds started forming in the distance. We managed to drive ahead of them, but they loomed in the distance throughout the night. I had no idea how they would play into our evening. Rain? Stormy weather? More thunder and lightning?

As we rounded the corner to the lake cabin, I felt my shoulders drop, my breathing become deeper, and my mind just stopped in its tracks. The waters were calm. The trees and grass were vibrant green. The water, blue and the sky a mix of blue with some clouds. The beach was pristine. And the serenity of it all cocooned us in peace.

The Czichotzki Family has created a sanctuary at the lake and we were honored they so openly welcomed us in. Thank you!

The photoshoot was one of my all time favorites. Now I am a bit spoiled in having a husband who is a professional photographer, but one of the things we rarely get, are photos of our entire family.

And Ria's vision, is unparalleled in the photography business. She is creative, passionate and so good at naturally capturing our family in all of our fun, silly, goofy and treasured moments.

Aren't you just dying to see the pics? Ahhhh... but they're part of something else. And so, you, and I, will have to wait, until the larger picture is revealed sometime in the near future.

Yes, seriously, pinch me. It'll be worth it. Just wait.

But here is just a hint at what is to come...

My beautiful and talented friend Ria, who honored us, delighted us, captured us. She loved on us through her lens, her tireless work, her vision. We're so grateful. So blessed.

And then with the sun going done and an early Thursday morning to get up for, we reluctantly left the lake. But were treated to a virtual, visual feast as we left. That changed and grew greater and more spectacular moment by moment.

"You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul."

It doesn't matter how tired I am. Or how dizzy I get at times. My feet still turn red and are peeling. And my lungs are... ugh... not feeling great and leaving me with a pesky cough.

I don't care. I hardly take count. How can I? I am surrounded by such abundant grace and beauty- and I'm CHOOSING to honor the joy in it all. To embrace it as much as I can.

I asked for a little sunset "light," and ended up feeling like a slice of heaven burst through and transformed the sky. Answered prayer.

Choosing....dear one....with you. Unbelievable beauty you captured in those skies that had so worried you. Praying for side-effect relief and grateful with you for your dear friend. Can't wait to see the photos.

Vicky... what a beautiful post.I can't wait to see the pics and even more excited to hear what they are a part of. I am still keeping you in my prayers. That is a beautiful pic of you with Ria. Keep strong and know many people are praying (including my girls)for you.

Oh Katie- "including your girls"~ please tell them thank you~ that is a big undertaking and it blesses me so! I have no doubt He is listening to all those prayers and they are what is getting me through.

HIlary- gosh that humble me so- I try- but I'll be the first to admit sometimes I just lean into the sad and hard times and feel it too. But what helps to let go of those- is to keep searching for the parts that uplift and remind us that we're a small part of something much, much, bigger than ourselves!

Vicky...when I began reading the post and you said clouds were accumulating, I KNEW what was coming. I knew it!! Clouds make for the most exquisite photos at sunrise and sunset. God painted that sky for you, and I thank Him for that. What a Mighty God we serve!!Love you and the choices you make. Love calling you my friend...a choice I'm glad I made You have made and continue to make my life brighter.Love you,Jackie

Wow, just wow. You always seek and find the silver lining no matter how carefully it is hidden sometimes. And your faith in Him proves itself over and over. You are just an exquisite soul and a huge inspiration to me. Vicki you are looking beautiful (and I know I have said this before but you have 'the best' legs! And I love your cute outfit). I cannot wait to see the pictures, it all sounds exciting. A truly special time for you all. May the waters continue to remain calm. You are always in my prayers XX

Oh Lilly- you flatter me so :) I pray he works through me and that I can remain open to whatever he needs for me to do. I want to do his will for my life so I just keep embracing what comes- and a lot seems to come :) Thank you for those prayers- they are completely what keeps me going I think and I treasure you for saying them on my behalf!

Just when you think you've seen the most beautiful sunset...you'll see the most beautiful sunset!Continuing to pray for you...and praising God for allowing all of us to glimpse eternity through His sunsets!Love you sweet sister in Christ...

Dear Vicky, well, being a fellow sky gazer, you know that those photos did my heart good. I was in pain from a little neck injury when I was viewing them and it's amazing how much they lifted my spirits, even just that little glimmer. And also, your positive attitude of course did the same. So that was all gift to me while catching up with you. And you didn't even know it. :) Your words continue to inspire me, and give me hope on so many levels. I'm rooting for you, friend. And as always, so grateful for you!

Beautiful words and conviction to always make sure I am actively choosing and not allowing circumstances, my mood, or anything else to choose for me. It's been a busy summer and my quiet time has suffered. I have been back at it these last few days and catching up my gratitude list. It is amazing how it defines my day to be open to things to be grateful for. Today, I'm grateful for amazing words filled with love, and hope and the reminder to count it all...each day. Much love, Vicky. Still praying!

PS: My daughter is studying in college to become a photographer and i giggle at how few pictures I have of our family. The cobblers shoes....

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About Me

I'm just a girl living the dream of being married to my superman, raising two active boys, and discovering more of who I am every day I am here. I'm currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and learning how to expand my time, instead of worrying about extending it. So I am living my moments daily and blogging the whole crazy adventure.